Tolkien's epic quest has been the model for countless fantasy games, but here's the official version of the original classic. Actually, this is just The Fellowship Of The Ring, the first volume of the trilogy. Melbourne House is the recognized expert on Tolkien, having produced The Hobbit, also available for PCW.

This classic adventure brings to your computer the excellent adaptation of Tolkien's classic tale, the epic story about the hobbits, assuming the role of Frodo or one of his group. Your task is to control Frodo, keeper of the Ring, and his three hobbit companions as they explore Middle-earth and hide from Sauron's dark forces, encountering balrogs, ores, wargs, the orcs and the clash of good and evil. wrong. The PCW version lacks graphics, but with impressive text handling to take you into that famous realm of mystery and adventure.

Hhobbits, as we all know, are furry little creatures whose favorite hobby seems to be going on long journeys that are at least 3,000 pages long. If Tolkien had been better at summarizing…

Now the computer game isn't that long, covering only the first part of Tolkien's trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring. Having said that, it will probably take you as long to complete the game as it would to read all three volumes three times!

The Lord of the Rings is set in Middle Earth, a strange place inhabited by all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures. Balrogs, dwarves, elves, orcs, trolls, direwolves, and wolves, you name it, they're all there. Orcs are particularly charming. It seems they can't even say hello without chopping someone's head off.

The scenario, in its simplest form, is this. Sauron the bad guy has developed an unhealthy fetish for rings, particularly magical ones. Now it so happens that the good Frodo has inherited one from his eccentric uncle Bilbo. Slightly annoyed at this, Sauron has sent his Black Riders to cut off little Frodo's head and take the ring. Consequently, Frodo must go as fast as he can to Rivendell, where Elrond, the Elf-king, will advise him what to do.

He takes on the role of Frodo or one of his three friends, Sam, Merry and Pippin, who accompany him on the perilous search for him. However, it is possible to control all four characters and switch between them simply by using one of three simple commands.

Ironically, all four hobbits are quite human. They get tired, hungry, and are usually killed when a sword or some other similar weapon pierces their vital organs. This means that you should allow your characters plenty of food and rest, especially if they have recently been involved in something strenuous.

The game comes in two parts and there is also a beginner game for those who are not familiar with adventures. Although it is recommended that you complete the first part before venturing into the second part, this is not required.

Knowledge of Tolkien's work can be helpful, but it is not essential and may even be misleading. There are no pretty graphic displays, but this engaging adventure game succeeds in its own right and will delight and mystify in equal amounts.

The game

The Lord of the Rings expands on its predecessor, not only in size (the main adventure is divided into two parts) but also in complexity. You can control any or all of the four hobbits in their battle against the forces of darkness and the evil Sauron. You can even split up your party to pack them into separate quests.

The really impressive feature of The Lord of the Rings, which it shared with The Hobbit. You communicate with the program in English, a reduced version of everyday language. This allows you to enter multiple commands, with one verb referring to multiple nouns, saving typing time and modifying verbs with adverbs. You can even talk to the other characters, telling Sam to bring the bottle and food, for example.

It is possible to fool this system, and some of its misunderstandings may seem illogical, but remember that a computer is basically fast but not very smart. The Lord of the Rings is still an amazing achievement, even if you sometimes have to explain your intentions.

If all of this sounds pretty daunting, there's a beginner's game included on the disc. It follows the plot on a grand scale, but many of the puzzles are simplified or omitted entirely and you're restricted to a single character. Still, you can use it to test the entire task.

Command input is in 'English', a sophisticated parser that allows you to perform complex actions and even command others. There are three different games to play, including a special game for beginners which, with its HINT mode, is invaluable for getting a feel for things. I can't begin to describe the adventure itself because that would spoil the thrill of discovery.

Conclusion

Overview Advanced adventures for fantasy fans, with amazing interaction that only occasionally fails to comprehend.

It lacks graphics in the PCW's, a shame compared to other versions that bring them.

It is absolutely absorbing and could easily ruin your social life. A very atmospheric text adventure in a world of its own.

In the following images you can check the original packaging.

• Original cover.

Here you have the front of the original cover.

• Retouched cover.

Its measurements are: Width 33,20 cm x Height: 21,30 cm.

The manual is printed on plain paper, in black and white. Its leaves measure: Width: 10.80 cm x Height: 17.80 cm

Original disk supplied with Lord of the Rings.

Custom labels to print them. Over the years due to their use, the labels are spoiled and lose their color and quality. Now we try to adapt the closest thing to the best of our ability, the labels so that they can be printed and replaced or for those who work with a copy of the program and preserve the original disk. Measure in 3 “high: 7.00 cm - width: 7.10 cm. The first image corresponds to the original label of the game, the second is the same label modified to replace the broken one and the third and fourth image is for the 3.5 “discs.

Soon.

Map

Then we leave you the map to make it easier for you to finish the game.

Instructions

The instruction sheet measures: Width: 14.60 cm x Height: 21.00 cm.

Advertising

Then we leave you with the advertisements in the magazines of the time.

Game

The disk images, obtained from the original version of Lord of the Rings, have been recorded and verified.

• Lord of the Rings (Compressed .DSK file in ZIP format)

Manual

The accompanying manual for Lord of the Rings can be downloaded below or viewed online. And game solution is attached.

• Manual Lord of the Rings (PDF file)
• Lord of the Rings Solution (PDF file)

• Play Lord of the Rings (Parte 1) online
• Play Lord of the Rings (Parte 2) online